Investment by the
Government to improve court safety has resulted in
significant improvements, Courts Minister Chester Borrows
announced today.

Between 2009/10 and 2011/12,
security incidents in courts have fallen by 35 per cent,
with serious incidents down 63 per cent.

“Those
who go to court should be able to feel safe, whatever their
reason for being there. That’s why we’re investing in
additional court security where it’s needed, and I’m
pleased to see that investment paying off,” says Mr
Borrows.

The Court Security Improvement Programme,
approved as part of Budget 2009, has provided $9 million
over four years to improve court security. This has funded
a further 45 Court Security Officers, eight new walk-through
metal detectors, and ten new baggage x-ray machines.

“This new investment has allowed courts to triple the
number of people screened before entering the courthouse,
and increased the number of weapons seized by more than 30
per cent,” says Mr Borrows.

“This underscores
the message that violence at court will not be tolerated.
It’s a very pleasing result, and I congratulate court
security staff on their efforts.” --

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